Iran's Supreme Leader Endorses Nuclear Deal

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has endorsed the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers but has warned the country needs to be vigilant, saying the United States cannot be trusted.

In a letter to President Hassan Rohani published on his official website on October 21, Khamenei said that the United States and European Union should clearly announce the elimination of sanctions against Iran, and warned that the deal had several structural weak points.

Until now Khamenei -- who has the final say on all key state matters -- had publicly declined to approve or reject the deal while expressing support for Iran's negotiators.

The landmark agreement reached in July would curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of crippling international sanctions.

Western nations have long suspected Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons alongside its civilian program.

Tehran rejects the claim, insisting its nuclear program is entirely peaceful.